South Dakota State Jackrabbits (11-3)

(STATS) - Other Missouri Valley Football Conference teams haven't backed down during North Dakota State's FCS dynasty this decade, but the 2018 season offers a distinct challenge.

They're likely going to have to do a little more - the extra lift, the additional sprint, anything imaginable - because the Bison return a veteran, star-studded lineup that is well positioned to win an eighth straight conference title and what would be a record seventh FCS title.

Unless the other teams from arguably the subdivision's deepest conference do something about it.